Scandal Unfolds: Ex-Ukrenergo Chief Detained on Fraud and Abuse Allegations
The State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine confirmed the detention of Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the former head of one of Ukraine’s largest state energy companies, Ukrenergo, on suspicion of systemic fraud and embezzlement of public funds.
According to investigators, this incident marks a new chapter in a widespread corruption scandal that has captured the attention of the public and law enforcement agencies.
Official reports indicate that in 2018, during tenders for the reconstruction of the external fencing of substations of the Southern and Western energy systems of Ukraine, Kudrytskyi, who was deputy director for investments at State Enterprise Ukrenergo, colluded with representatives of a private firm.
The accomplices signed contracts totaling over 68 million hryvnias, out of which more than 13 million hryvnias were paid as advance payments, which the culprits then stole without intending to fulfill their contractual obligations.
During the investigation, forged documents submitted for the registration of legal entities used in the criminal scheme were uncovered, alongside financial transactions aimed at legitimizing the illicit funds.
Additionally, charges have been filed against Igor Grinkevich, who is currently under detention, for organizing fraud schemes and falsifying documents for legal registration.
Kudrytskyi was detained on suspicion of committing fraud by conspiracy of a group of persons in especially large amounts.
A court hearing is now being prepared to request his arrest.
Last week, Kudrytskyi submitted his resignation as head of Ukrenergo, denying involvement in illegal activities and claiming that the searches were exaggerated.
He states he is a witness in a case supposedly involving inflated logging volumes, with interrogations related to events in Ukrenergo conducted in 2025, after his departure from the company.
The case has ignited public outcry and raises serious questions about transparency and trust in Ukraine’s energy sector.